What is Validation?
Validation is the process where you show that you can put your knowledge and skills about the topics covered in a module into practice in your current role in Scouting. You will need to validate all of the modules required for your role, regardless of whether you have gained skills through learning or through previous experience.
Validation should reflect the activities of your normal Scouting role and should be backed up by evidence. The different aspects of your role, for example running meetings, planning programmes, leading and managing others, will show your abilities and knowledge.
Validation is essential for every module in the Adult Training Scheme. For some, validation is achieved at the end of the learning with the completion of a short assessment which produces a certificate. This applies to Module 1, Safety, Safeguarding, GDPR, First Aid and Trustee Introduction. All others are validated by your Training Adviser (where appointed) or Local Training Manager
Validation methods
There are a number of methods of validation, here are just some examples of validation methods. There are other methods, or variations of these that you might want to use. These can be agreed between you and your Training Adviser.:
· A visit from your Training Adviser to observe you carrying out an activity
· A written or verbal statement to your Training Adviser from an observer
· Paperwork created for the role such as programme plans, letters to parents, instructions for activities and risk assessments
· Notes from activities or meetings
· Obtaining a qualification, such as a first aid certificate or nights away permit
· Completing a questionnaire
· Discussion with your Training Adviser
· Photos of a validation activity
· Videos of a validation activity
· Presentations to adults or young people in Scouting.
Validation Guides
To help with validations, we have produced a validation guide for each type of adult member.
Validation evidence
In order to validate each module, you will need to produce evidence that shows that you have completed the agreed task(s) and met the validation criteria. The Adult’s Personal File gives examples of evidence for each module you might wish to use in completing your validation. For some modules, the specified criteria must be completed by all roles; in other cases, there are both general validation criteria that apply to all roles and specific criteria that are relevant to certain roles. If you are not sure about what criteria apply to your role, please discuss this with your Training Adviser.
Once validation criteria and evidence have been agreed, you will gather the appropriate evidence. When you next meet with or speak to your Training Adviser, you present that evidence and be prepared to discuss your experiences and to reflect on this with them. When sufficient and suitable evidence has been presented, the module will be validated within your Compass training record by the Training Adviser. For some elements, no physical evidence may be required and the topic can be covered by a conversation (or completion of the online validation questions). In other cases, you may already have a copy programme or activity plan, quite possibly a longer response may be appropriate that can either be sent to your Training Adviser or uploaded as evidence within the online validation tool.
